Gem Library

BUYER’S OVERVIEW:
Rose Quartz is a member of the Quartz family and in its transparent, faceted form is considered to be a semi-precious gemstone. Relatively abundant in nature, clear, large, natural stones are available. eep colors are the most valuable, particularly a rich pink.

COLOR:
Pale pink to rose red.

APPEARANCE:
Transparent to opaque. The color agent of Rose Quartz is titanium. Rose Quartz is a Type II gemstone and is usually included.

Phenomena: Rose Quartz exhibits the phenomena of Asterism, a pattern of reflected light that forms star patterns, typically seen in sapphire and rubies.

SIZE RANGE:
1 to 20 carats, faceted gems over 1000 carats are known.

TYPICAL CUTTING STYLES:
Transparent: most cutting styles are available.
Translucent: cabochons, beads or carvings.

POSSIBLE ENHANCEMENTS & TREATMENTS:
Rose Quartz is occasionally irradiated to intensify the color. The stability of this color enhancement is excellent and requires no special care.

HARDNESS:
7 on the Mohs scale.

BEST USE OF THE GEMSTONE:
Rose Quartz can be used in all types of jewelry.

CARE & CLEANING:
It is best to never expose colored gemstones to cleaning solvents or chemicals of any kind.
Common cleaning methods include:
Ultrasonic: usually safe
Steamer: risky
Warm soapy water: safe
Reaction to Chemicals: can be damaged by acids.
Reaction to Heat: heat may alter the stone’s color, fast temperature changes may fracture it.
Stability to Light: some stones may fade after prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV light.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THIS GEMSTONE:
Rose Quartz is made up of large crystals that can be distinguished with the naked eye and belongs to the macrocrystalline quartz family. Unlike other quartz, Rose Quartz is somewhat unusual due to its unique translucent milky color, believed to be caused by trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese, though the chemistry of this quartz is not yet fully understood.

Some Rose Quartz contains microscopic rutile needles that produce an Asterism, a pattern of reflected light that forms star patterns, typically seen in sapphire and rubies.

DESIGNATION:
Rose Quartz has a long history but no traditions associated with it.

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